Katsina govt exchanges six bandits for 20 kidnap victims

Six bandits were released from Katsina state government custody on Tuesday 10 September, in exchange for 20 people kidnapped in the state.

The governor of the state of Katsina, Aminu Masari, confirmed the exchange after a closed meeting with the bandits. Some bandits identified as Abdullahi Mairafi, Audu Danda, Ardo Nashawali and Sale Dangote had previously delivered their AK-47s and ammunition to the governor of the village of Shinfida in the local government area of Jibia.

One of the repentant bandits, Abdullahi Mairafi, who resigned from banditry and promised to work for peace in the state, said: “We will ensure that the peace process does not stop at the release of prisoners, but that all weapons and ammunition in our custody and other militia groups surrender to Governor Masari.

The state government was also advised to provide health centers, dams and schools for Fulani pastors living in rural areas.